Around the World in 13 Years
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by ActiveSports
Jason Lewis set off from Greenwich, London, in July 1994 on a mission to circumnavigate the globe using only human power. Thirteen years later, he has completed his journey using bicycles, in-line skates, kayaks, swimming, rowing, walking and a unique pedal-powered boat to travel more than 45,000 miles across five continents, two oceans and one sea.
His historical adventure is known as Expedition 360 and followed a five-pointed mission:
- To circle the world by means of human power alone.
- To use the adventure as a classroom learning tool.
- To encourage world citizenship between cultures.
- To promote environmental responsibility.
- To live fully and enjoy the experience.
Sounds like a fun and rewarding journey—but it wasn't all enjoyable. The expedition was expected to last only 3.5 years. Lewis broke both legs, narrowly avoided an amputation, spent six weeks in hospital and nine months in recovery before continuing his record-setting skate across America. Another major setback occurred when he was arrested by Egyptian authorities who thought he was a spy. His trip was also interrupted for weeks at a time as Lewis and his team of supporters worked to raise money to continue. Odd jobs along the way included work on a cattle ranch in America and at a funeral home in Australia.
After Lewis takes some time to rest, he plans to start a career organizing "mini expeditions" for young people and giving talks about climate change. I'm not sure how much rest is needed after a 13-year, 45,000 mile trip—but he definitely deserves it.
